Terra cotta grinding machine



June 14, 1938.

F. Y. PEARNE ET AL TERRA GOTTA GRINDING MACHINE Filed Jan. l0, 1958 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 fai June 14, 1938. F. Y. PEARNE ET AL TERRA COTTA GRINDING MACHINE Filed. Jan. 1o, 1938 a sheets-sheet 2 ffm/k y. Pear/7e George 10. /VOCCZ June 14,v 1938. F. Y. PEARNE ET AL TERRA GOTTA GRINDING MACHINE 3 sheets-sheet s Filed Jan. lO, 1938 llo: um]

Patented June 14, 1938 UNITED STATES PATET OFFIQE TERRA GOTTA GRINDING MACHINE Application January 10, 1938, Serial No. 184,192

7 Claims.

This invention relates generally to the iinishing to size of clay products such as tile or the like. More particularly the invention relates to grinding machines used for the facing of flat surfaces- In the manufacture of tile in rectangular shapes for building purposes, particularly terra cotta tile, the clay is formed into the desired shape of the tile and then allowed to partially dry. During the drying out process the tile warps out of shape so that while it is still green and before it is red it is desirable to face or iinish the four sides of the tile so that the iinished product will be square and suitable for building purposes. It is the ordinary practice to grind one face of the green tile at a time by means of an ordinary grinding machine, against which the tile is forced. This method is slow, as it requires four separate operations to iinish the four sides of the tile. Furthermore, it is undesirable in that it requires excessive handling of the tile, thereby increasing the possibility of damaging the tile.

In view of the disadvantages of the ordinary method of grinding tile, it is a primary object of this invention to provide a machine which will grind the four sides of the tile in one operation and will square those sides relative to each other during the grinding.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a tile grinding machine which grips the tile to be ground and firmly holds the tile while the same is moved between the grinding rolls. In this connection it is an object of the invention to provide hydraulic means for gripping the tile and for elevating the tile between the grinding rolls.

It is also an object of this invention to provide. a machine of the type described which will receive tile to be ground on one floor and deliver the tile ground on all four sides at another floor if desired.

Furthermore, it is an object of this invention to provide a machine of the type described 45 which is adjustable to accommodate different sized tiles. These and other objects will be apparent from the accompanying drawings which are for illustrative purposes only, and in which- Fig. 1 is a side elevation of a machine em- 50 bodying the invention and showing a large-sized terra cotta tile in the machine.

Fig. 2 is a sectional elevation of the machine on line 2-2 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a sectional plan View on line 3-3 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a sectional plan view on line 4 4 o1' Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary sectional elevation on line 5--5 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 6 is a sectional elevation taken on the 5 plane of line 2 2 of Fig. l, but showing the tile and elevating portion of the apparatus in a partially raised position.

Fig. 7 is a diagrammatic representation of the hydraulic system.

Particularly describing the invention, reference numeral II generally indicates a frame which 'comprises four upright H beams l2 supported upon a concrete foundation I3 which lines a cellar Ill. Suitable side channel members I5, I6, 11,. I8 and I9 connect the uprights I2 at spaced intervals. Top rails 2@ are also provided. Only a. skeleton framework is shown and it is within the scope of the invention to add additional supporting frame members if necessary to render rigidity to the frame.

This invention contemplates the grinding of a terra cotta tile on all four sides at one time by passing a tile between four grinding rolls. There is provided an upper and a lower pair of rolls, the rolls of each pair being parallel, but the rolls of the Lipper pair being disposed at right angles to those of the lower pair.

Referring particularly to Figures l, 2, 3 and 5 for the details in the construction of the grinding rolls, there is provided a supporting framework comprising I-beam end members 24 and side members 25 which are welded or otherwise secured to the uprlghts I2. Extending across the members 25 and welded thereon are inverted channel members V26.

The upper pair of grinding rolls are identical and similarly mounted, so that a description of one roll and its supporting and driving structure will suilice for both, and the same reference nu- 40 merals will be used on corresponding parts of the two rolls and their supporting structure. Reference numeral 28 indicates the upper pair of grinding rolls. Each roll is` mounted on a shaft 29 and revolves with the shaft. At one end the shaft is supported by a bearing 30, while near its other end there is provided a bearing 3l. 'Ihe shaft is directly driven by an electric motor 32 which may be connected to a source of electric energy and controlled by any ordinary means.

In order to provide for the adjustability of the rolls the bearings 3!) and 3l are mounted on the sliding block assemblies 33 and 34 respectively. The block assemblies (see Figures 3 and 5) each comprise a lower block 35 mounted on the channel 26 in any suitable manner and having rotatably mounted therein at 30 a screw 31. Slidably mounted on the lower block is a relatively smaller upper block 38 which is provided with a depending threaded bossV 39 .adapted to threadably engage the screw 31. The blocks are tongue and grooved as best illustrated in Fig. 5. Bearing 30 is mounted on block 38 of the block assembly 33, while bearing 3| is mounted on the block 38 of the assembly 34. The block 33 of assembly 34 is also provided with a cantilever extension 40 which supports the motor 32.

For the purpose of rotating the screws 31 to effect a lateral adjustment of the grinding rolls, the screws .are provided with extended shafts 42 which are rotated by means of a shaft 43, interengaging bevel gears being provided as generally indicated at 44. Shaft 43 is operated through gears 45 by means of a shaft 46 which is provided with a hand wheel 41. The shaft 43 is supported by the members 48 and shaft 46 by the bracket 49.

A lower pair of grinding rolls, indicated by reference numerals 28' are mounted in a similar manner to the upper rolls, but disposed at right angles thereto. The lower rolls and their supporting structure will therefore not be described in detail and the various parts will be designated by the same reference numerals used on the upper roll assembly, except for the distinguishing prime mark suffix. The lower rolls 28' are shown shorter than the rolls 28, but they might be made of any desirable length.

Although the grinding rolls are shown as solid with an abrasive surface, it is contemplated that any type of grinding roll might be used and the invention is not to be construed as limited to the particular grinding rolls shown. I n practice it has been found that a sand paper surfaced roll 40` gives excellent results.

For the purpose of moving a tile T through the rolls a hydraulic elevating apparatus is provided which engages the tile at opposite ends and moves it upwardly through the rolls. This apparatus includes two hydraulic `elevating cylinders 50, one being mounted on each side of the frame in the supporting blocks 5| and 52 mounted respectively on the cross members I5 and I6; The cylinders each accommodate a piston 53 which is considerably longer than the cylinder and which extends beyond each end of the cylinder. Each piston is fitted with piston rings 54 which engage the inner walls of the cylinders. The cylinders are provided at both ends with ordinary packing glands. Fittings 56 and 51 are provided at opposite ends of the cylinder for the pressure fluid which may be conducted to the tting in any desirable manner for the purpose of motivating the pistons.

Whenthe elevating .apparatus is in normal position, such as it is shown in Figures l and 2, the pistons extend downwardly nearly to the bottom of the cellar I4. Near their lower ends the pistons are connected by what will be termed a lower cross member, or lower yoke, generally indicated by reference numeral 58. This cross member comprises channel members 59 which are connected by the end plates 60 and a central plate structure 6|. The central plate structure 6| has mounted therein an upwardly extending elevator rod 62 which is adapted to engage a tile car 63, as-will hereinafter be described. The frame is provided with vertically extending guide channels 64 which are engaged by sets of guide rollers located at each. end of the crossV member 58 and generally indicated by reference numeral 65. This structure is shown particularly in Fig. 4. Angle clips 66 are also provided as a means of keeping the central track section straight on the cross member when it is elevated.

The upper ends of the pistons 53 are connected by an upper cross member or upper yoke 68 which comprises side channel members 39 and suitable connecting plates similar to the ones shown in connection with the lower cross member 58. Centrally of the member 68 and dependent therefrom is a hydraulic clamping cylinder 10 having a packing gland .at its lower end. The cylinder has mounted therein a piston rod 12 which carries a plate 13 which is detachably mounted thereon at the lower end of the piston. The cylinder 10 is provided with fittings 14 and 15 for the introduotion of pressure fiuid from any suitable source. This hydraulic means depending from the upper cross member 68 is provided for the purpose of firmly engaging or clamping a tile T between the plate 13 and a car 63 when the member 62 is moved upwardly to engage the car. The cylinder 10 is provided with a guide cross arm 16 which is provided with guide rollers at each of its ends in a manner similar to the guide rollers of the lower cross member 58 and indicated in this case by reference numeral 11. These guide rollers ride on three sides of the guide channels 18.

For the purpose of moving a tile into position where it may be engaged and elevated by the elevating apparatus, a track is provided which comprises rails 8| and 82 mounted on the cross beams 83 and 84. The track 80 is provided with a central removable section comprising the rails 85 and 86 held together by the tie rods 81. Adapted-to ride on the track is the tile carrying oar, heretofore designated by reference numeral 63, which comprises an upper flat plate-like member which is provided with a centrally downwardly extending socket 9| for the 'reception of the elevator rod 62. The plate, or upper portion of the car 90 is of slightly smaller size than the end of the tile to be carried by it. The car is provided with hanged wheels 92 mounted on axles 93 which are supported by supports 94.

It is not essential to this invention that a car such as 63 be employed, and this car has only been shown and described as a practical means of bringing the tile into position where it may be engaged by the elevating apparatus. It is only necessary that a plate-like member be provided between the tile and the elevator rod 62 so that the tile may be firmly held in position between the elevator rod 62 and the clamping piston rod 12.

Referring tol Fig. 1, there is illustrated a means of connecting the hydraulic cylinders with hydraulic operating means. Reference numerall 98 designates a reservoir adapted to hold a suitable fluid. A pump 99 is provided which is connected to the reservoir by a conduit |00. Conduits |0| and |02 lead from the reservoir and pump respectively to a four-way valve |03. On the opposite side of the valve are conduits |04 and |05 which lead to the cylinders. By means of the valve |03, fluid leaving the pump by conduit |02 may be directed to either conduit |04 or |05'. At the same time communication is established between return conduit I'0I and the conduit which is not in communication with conduit |02.

Conduit |04 branches into two conduits, |08 and |01. The first of these communicates with the lower ends of the elevating cylinders 50; the

Atween piston 12 and elevator rod B2.

other communicates with the-upper end of the clamping cylinder '|0'. Each of these conduits is provided with a valve as indicated at |08 and |09 respectively. To insure against excess pressure being applied to the clamping cylinder, a pressure regulator H0 is included in the conduit leading to that cylinder.

Conduit |05 branches into conduits H2 and H3 which communicate with the lower end of cylinder l0 and the upper ends of cylinders 50 respectively. A valve H4 is provided in conduit To accommodate for the movement of the cylinder `|0, the conduits |01 and H2 are provided with the flexible sections |01 and H2 in the region of the cylinder.

By means of this hydraulic system the cylinders of pistons 50 may be elevated and the piston of cylinder |0 may be lowered, either simultaneously or individually. The pistons of cylinder 50 may also be lowered either simultaneously with the raising of the piston of cylinder l0 or independently thereof.

Inthe operation of the device a car 03 is rolled into position above the elevator rod 62. The piston 12 is moved downwardly to bring the plate 73 into pressure contact with the upper end of the tile T to thereby hold the tile T rmly between said plate 13 and the car S3. The elevating apparatus is then set in motion to bring the rod 62 rmly into engagement with the socket 9| on the car, pressure being maintained in cylinder l0 to keep piston rod 12 and end plate 13 against it. kWhen the socket is thus firmly engaged the elevating apparatus may be stopped to ascertain if the tile is properly clamped be- The elevating apparatus is again set in motion and the tile is raised and forced upwardly through or between the grinding rolls v28 and 28', as indicated in Fig, 6 which shows the apparatus in semi-elevated position. When the member 58 moves upwardly it engages the removable section of track and raises it, as shown in Fig. 6.y

l For the purpose of removing a tile from the grinding machine there is shown above the grinding rolls a track generally indicated by reference numeral H5, which comprises the stationary section HS and a longitudinal slidable section li. These sections are suitably supported on the plates H8 and H9 respectively which are mounted upon the cross channels il. The track is shown in Fig. 1 in the broken position to permit the tile to pass therebetween. After the tile is raised above the level of the track the section of the track H`| may be moved into the broken line position |20 and the track is then in position to receive the car and permit the delivery of the tile to a iloor above the ground oor upon which it was delivered to the machine. However the track H5 is merely a convenience and the tile may be returned to the ground floor, if desired, by lowering the elevating apparatus. Before the tile can be removed from the machine it is necessary to raise the clamping piston '12,

It is apparent from the above description that the grinding rolls are laterally adjustable to accommodate various sized tiles. In this connection the means for laterally adjusting the rolls provide for an even movement of the blocks 38 upon which the rolls are mounted, thus insuring the parallel disposition of the pairs of rolls in any adjusted position. To accommodate different sized tile the plate 13 is removably mounted on the piston 12 and a different sized plate may be substituted therefor to accommodate the particular sized tile being finished. Cars having different sized top plates 90 may also be provided for'diierent sized tiles. l

Although the machine has been particularly designed for the facing of a four sided squared tile, it would be within the skill of the ordinary mechanic .to change one or more of these grinding rolls to accommodate it to an unevenly sided tile without departing from the scope of this invention.

.We claim as ourl invention:

1.` In a machine for grinding a terra cotta building tile or the like, the combination of :a supporting frame; a rst pair of grinding rolls mounted on said frame in spaced parallel relation; a second pair of grinding rolls mounted on said frame in spaced parallel relation below said first pair of rolls and disposed at right angles to said first pair; means for rotating said rst and second pair of rolls; a hydraulic cylinder mounted on eachk side of said frame; a piston rod for each of said cylinders, said piston rods extending from each end of each of said cylinders; a cross member connecting the lower ends of said piston rods; an elevator rod mounted on said cross member and extending upwardly therefrom for engaging the lower end of a building tile; a top cross member connecting the upper ends of said piston rods; means depending from said top cross member for engaging the upper end of a building tile; and means for introducing a pressure fluid to said cylinders to effect movement of said piston rods.

2. In a machine for grinding a terra cotta building tile or the like, the combination of: a supporting frame; a first pair of grinding rolls mounted on said frame in spaced parallel relation; a second pair of grinding rolls mounted on said frame in spaced parallel relation below said iirst pair of rolls and disposed at right angles to cross member connecting the upper ends of said piston rods; a third hydraulic cylinder dependently mounted on said top cross member; a piston in said cylinder, said piston being adapted to engage the upper end of a building tile engaged by said elevator rod; means for introducing pressure fluid to said first mentioned hydraulic cylinders; and means for introducing pressure fluid to said third hydraulic cylinder.

3. In a machine for grinding a terra cotta building tile or the like, the combination of; a supporting frame; a rst pair of grinding rolls mounted on said frame in spaced parallel relation; a second pair of grinding rolls mounted on said frame in spaced parallel relation below said first pair of rolls and disposed at right angles to said first pair; means for rotating said iirst and second pair of rolls; a hydraulic cylinder mounted on each side of said frame; a piston rod for each of said cylinders, said piston rods extending from each end of each of said cylinders; a cross member connecting the lower ends of said piston rods; vertically extending guide members opposite the ends of sai-d cross member; guide rolls at each end of said cross member for engaging the respective guide members; an elevator rod'mounted on said cross member and extending upwardly Atherefrom for engaging the lower end of a building tile; a top cross member connecting the upper ends of said piston rods; means depending from said top cross member for engaging the upper end of a building tile; and means for introducing a pressure fluid to said cylinders to effect movement of said piston rods.

4. In a machine for grinding a terra cotta building tile or the like, the combination 0f: a supporting frame; a iirst pair of grinding rolls mounted on said frame in spaced parallel relation; a second pair of grinding rolls mounted on said frame in spaced parallel relation below said lrst pair of rolls and disposed at right angles to said first pair; means for rotating said iirst and second pair of rolls; a hydraulic cylinder mounted on each side of said frame; a piston rod for each of said cylinders, said piston rods extending from each end of said cylinders; across member connecting the lower ends oi said piston rods; verticalIy extending guide members. supporting the ends of said cross member; guide rollers at each end of said cross members for engaging the respective guide members; an elevator rod mounted on said cross member and extending upwardly therefrom for engaging the lower end' of a building tile; a top cross member connecting the upper ends of said piston rods; a third hydraulic cylinder dependently mounted' on said top cross member; a piston rod in said cylinder, said piston rodbeing adapted to engage the upper end of a building tile engaged by said elevator rod; means for introducing pressure fluid to said first mentioned hydraulic cylinders; and means for introducing pressure fluid to said third hydraulic cylinder.

5. In a machine for grinding a terra cotta building tile or the like, the combination of: a supporting frame; a first pair of grinding rolls mountedon said frame in spaced parallel relation.; a second pair of grinding rolls mounted on said frame in spaced parallel relation below said first pair; means for rotating said rst and second pair of rolls; a hydraulic cylinder mounted on each side of said frame; a piston rod for each of said cylinders, said piston rods extending from each end of each of said cylinders; a cross member connecting the lower ends of said piston rods; vertically extending guide members supporting the ends of said cross member; guide rollers at each end of Said cross members for engaging the respective guide members; an elevator rod mounted on said cross member and extending upwardly therefrom for engaging the lower end of a building tile; a top cross member connecting the upper ends of said piston rods; a third hydraulic cylinder dependently mounted on said top cross member; a piston rod in said cylinder, a plate removably mounted on the lower end of said piston rod and adapted to engage the upper end of a building tile engaged by said elevator rod; meansfor introducing pressure fluid to said first mentioned hydraulic cylinders; and means for introducing pressure fluid to said third hydraulic cylinder.

6. In a machine for grinding a terra cotta building tile or the like, the combination of: a supporting frame; a first pair of grinding rolls mountedron said frame in spaced parallel relation; a second pair of grinding rolls mounted on said frame in spaced parallel relation below said rst pair; means for-rotating said rst and second pair of rolls; a hydraulic cylinder mounted on each side of said frame; a piston rod for each of said cylinders, said piston rods extending from each endI of each of said cylinders; a cross member connecting the lower ends of said piston rods; vertically extending guide members supporting the'ends of said cross member; guide rollers at each end of said cross members for engaging the respective guide members; an elevator rod mounted on said cross member and extending upwardly therefrom for engaging the lower end of a building tile; a top cross member connecting the upper ends of said piston rods; a third hydraulic cylinder dependently mounted on said top crossmember; a cross guide arm mountedl on the lower end of said third hydraulic cylinder; vertically extending guide members mounted on said frame opposite the ends of said cross guide arm; guide rollers on the ends of said r cross guide arm for engaging said vertically extending guide members; a piston rod in said third hydraulic cylinder, a plate mounted on the lower endv of said piston rod and adapted to engagev the upper end of a building tile engaged by said elevator rod; means for introducing. pressure uid to said rst mentioned hydraulic cylinders; and means for introducing pressure fluid to said third hydraulic cylinder.

7. lFor use in combination with a pair of grind- 1 ing rolls, means for clamping and moving a tile to be ground between said rolls comprising: a supporting frame; ay hydraulic cylinder mounted on each sid'e of said frame; a piston rod for each of said cylinders, said piston rods extending from each end of said cylinders; a cross member connecting the lower ends of said piston rods; an elevator rod mounted centrally of said cross member thereon and extending upwardly therefrom for engaging the lower end of a building tile; a top cross member connecting the upper ends of said piston rods; a third hydraulic cylinder dependently mounted from said top cross member; a piston in said cylinder; said piston being adapted to engage the upper end of a building tile engaged by said elevator rod for clamping said tile; means for introducing pressure fluid to said first mentioned hydraulic cylinders; and means for introducing pressure fluid to said third hydraulic'cylinder.

FRANK Y. PEARNE. GEORGE P. FACKT- 

